Five little things you can do to make the world a better place

Volunteering
September 11, 2019 •  By Centraide

Small actions can make a big difference. Find out which ones we recommend.

Too many people think that in order to have an impact on your community and the planet, you need to move mountains. But actually, it’s simple.

Too many people believe that you have to move mountains if you want to have an impact on your community and our planet. But actually, it’s simple. Small gestures can have significant repercussions. If you’re wondering what you can do to make the world a better place, add these simple habits to your everyday life. Let’s all take a step in the right direction.

1. Donate your clothes

Still have an old pair of jeans that date back to high-school? A top that you haven’t worn for five years? We all have wardrobe items we no longer use but that we keep by force of habit. Why not donate them? Many organisations collect used clothing to help families or disadvantaged people. Refugees, for example, often need warm clothing when they arrive in Canada. Give a second life to your old winter coats or to those boots that are a little too small and you no longer wear. You’ll declutter your closets and also help those in need!

2. Keep your neighbourhood and parks clean

Public spaces belong to us all, and we should all feel responsible for keeping them clean. You can do a thousand little things every that can help make your neighbourhood a great place to live – and your actions can encourage others to do the same. Respect garbage collection times; be sure to use city garbage bins when you’re outside; don’t leave cigarette butts on the ground… It doesn’t take much to make our neighbourhoods more appealing!

3. Make a donation (even a very small one)

You don’t need to be rolling in money to do your part for an agency that’s important to you. Even a small donation can make a big difference. It could be a one-time donation or a weekly or monthly one; your gift is a valuable resource for many non-profit organizations that couldn’t survive without your generosity. Whether you’re concerned about environmental causes, animal rights, or the fight for social equality, every dollar has immense value. The size of your gift isn’t important; the important thing is to stay well informed about the causes that affect you, so you can find out how to help out in the best way you can.

4. Avoid wastage

You bought some leek soup only to find out you don’t like leeks? You picked up all the ingredients for a recipe that you just won’t have time to prepare? Don’t just throw it all out! Some agencies collect food, both perishable and unperishable, so they can sort, transform, and redistribute it to people in need. More nutritious foods are preferred, but any type of food is accepted, from the old canned foods in the back of your cupboard, to those vegetables you don’t intend to eat.

5. Be kind to others

The well-being of a community comes, first and foremost, through living together. And that’s something we’re all responsible for. Every day, we can make simple gestures that have a positive impact, whether big or small, on the people around us: a smile, a thank you, opening a door, helping a parent who is dragging a stroller up the metro stairs… It’s small, everyday actions like these that bring joy to people’s lives, including yours. That’s just a wonderful thing!